It loses a little something in the Translation imo; I need to see if I can find the interview somewhere else.
Edit
Wirtz has confirmed that Klopp called him two days ago.
In an interview with RTL and Sky Sport, Wirtz said: “We actually spoke on the phone for the first time two days ago. I hadn’t had any contact with him before that.” The 23-year-old was already aware that Klopp was a fan of his: “I had heard that he’d spoken about me a time or two.” “People from the club told me about him,” Wirtz said. “So it was really cool to get to meet him and speak with him, and I was definitely very pleased about it.”
Jurgen Klopp on the recent criticism of Florian Wirtz:
“I think Liverpool, at least, have absolutely understood where he actually needs to play. That is, of course, CENTRALLY, in the half spaces, the pockets where he needs to operate.
“But Flo also has to learn, of course. He has to play in such a way that, in the end, the manager doesn’t even consider taking him off. That’s just how it is. We can’t help him with that.
“I think they [Liverpool] will learn how to integrate him, and Flo simply has to play his game. That’s what it’s about. And I’d like to give him the opportunity to do that at some point.
“But anyone who wants to play for us HAS TO BE ABLE to counter press. I played Shinji Kagawa as a No. 10. He didn’t make a single tackle and was still one of the best counter pressing players I’ve ever had. It’s not about physicality. It’s about wanting to contribute in that respect as well.
“From a footballing point of view, he is beyond any doubt, for me and for everyone else too. But Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and so on are, of course, always the first ones to get nervous in England.”
(Klopp obviously watched our game, since he also speaks of “three players in the number 10 position,” and every ball Liverpool lost turned into a counterattack.)
“I’m happy for these two guys. They deserved it. They are working really hard in the trainings and in the game”
Iraola on Florian Wirtz’s performance…
Yes, accepting and assuming that it has been a poor first half, we’ve also been very unlucky, you know, because their goal, I thought honestly like it looked offside [in real time] then there is a heel of someone [playing them onside]. Then there’s the VAR decision, the goal from Florian, even I think Forest was not complaining. We were not really aware and then there is a VAR decision that goes against you.
It would have been lovely for us and for Florian to score the goal and it’s still the first half and it’s 1-1. Obviously it leaves you in a much better position for the second half. In the second goal also he does very well. He does very, very well. Florian is very good. I trust him a lot. I think we have to find the best way to use him. I think his position from my side is quite clear and the more he plays with us I think the better he will be. I have very little doubt.
Was so disappointed his goal was ruled off but him getting the assist should help his confidence and get the monkey off his back a little.
I saw some people in the post match thread say he was good. I wouldn´t say he was good exactly but I would say he showed some moments and all our good play came through him.
I think it´s so clear that if we want to do really well, we need to get him involved as much as possible, giving him the ball from midfield quickly and in good positions, and have runners in front of him. He has to do more when he gets the ball considering the talent he has, but lets start there.
To be honest, he was good in the second half, especially once Szoboszlai was moved to the right back (Slot got that one right, in all honesty), Gravenberch was introduced and Nyoni got on and started dropping deep. I guess that having balance in midfield is even important to him than simply having pacy runners ahead of him because that is how you get him on the ball as often as possible.
Yes that is what I mean and have been saying on here. He needs the midfield behind him to be picking him out regularly and early. He can´t pick out runners ahead of him without getting the ball in good areas. It´s no good him going all the way back to the midfield 2 to pick it up.
I honestly think Nyoni is the best player we have to make that happen.
Well, one can say that the real price of Wirtz is 151 million pounds a.k.a the combined price of Wirtz and Frimpong. With hindsights, there is a credible case that Frimpong was simply bought to sweeten the Wirtz deal, not to add real football value to our squad.
The problem with Wirtz is he might not be the player people think he is. He isn’t the type to dribble past 2-3 defenders and score or assist, etc. — actually he’s never had outstanding output. But he’s the kind of player who runs 12-13km per game, works his ass off, doing the little things, constantly. If I had to make a perfect comparison, I’d think of Firmino, someone who was also very underrated outside the LFC fanbase but we knew Klopp built the team around him.
Of course Wirtz has his own issues. The problem with Wirtz, similar to Firmino in the beginning, is they both lack agility and strength. We all know Firmino changed his approach and built tremendous strength to become the player we knew. Maybe Wirtz needs some advice from him too. If he can figure that out, I’m sure he’ll be exceptional for us.
Wirtz was annoying with his lack of fight and urgency and it’s not just because he lacks core strength. It’s a pattern which keeps repeating on away games, he rarely seems to be up for them.
He lost the ball many times yesterday and needs to be better but the guy has had a goal and assist ruled out the last two games from his team mates being millimetres offside. That is extremely unlucky on his end, the conversations around him would be completely different had they been given.
Maybe he’ll be the Firmino of this Liverpool version: a player ending up being something quite different to what he was at his former club. I remember there used to be some confusion about what sort of player he was, lots of “what does he actually do” type of remarks.
Wirtz is far removed from being the same centre of attention he was at Leverkusen. Maybe that’s something both we and him will need more time to adjust to, finding out what sort of player he is in this team.
He kinda was that player though, beating players and creating chances or openings.
Yes he isn´t getting the ball enough and the league is stronger, but he isn´t playing with that confidence and desire to go and make things happen anymore. He looks timid on the ball and when he should be demanding it. His problems are mental in my view.
Im a supporter of Wirtz, and he is a good player but i think its his price tag that is the main issue.
He cost twice as much as Cherki. Who looks a better buy than Wirtz.
And because of his price tag its hard to drop him. We cant afford to have such an expensive player as just a squad player. Otherwise He will soon get the flop label.
Still hoping he soon breaks out. And has a good run of games
Jurgen Klopp on the recent criticism of Florian Wirtz:
